The UM System supports employees and their families who choose to continue their education. Faculty and staff who choose to pursue or continue their college education—as well as eligible spouses and dependents—can receive assistance at any of the universities within the UM System. Veterans should also consult campus veteran services for special programs.
Educational Assistance and Tuition Reduction benefits may be taxable; see HR-303 Educational Assistance and Tuition Reduction Program for University Employees and Their Spouses/Dependents for full information.
Amount of Assistance
Amount of Assistance
Active Employees
- 75% of tuition and supplemental fees waived for college-level courses.
- Up to six credit hours per semester, three for summer.
- 100% tuition waived for auditing courses.
- Either independently or at the request of a department head.
Spouses & Dependents
- 50% reduction in tuition.
- Up to 140 credit hours.
- Covers tuition only.
- Activity fees, late fees and books are the student’s responsibility.
Retirees
- 100% tuition
- Supplemental and student activity fees waived if class space is available.
- Books and other expenses are the retiree’s responsibility.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Active Employees
Active employees are eligible if they are either:
- Administrative, Service and Support staff
- Must have completed a six-month probationary period prior to registration and remain employed through the start of the course(s).
- Benefit-eligible academic employee
Students or employees in positions considered student employment (e.g., graduate teaching/research assistants, instructors, student assistants) are not eligible.
Spouses & Dependents
A spouse or dependent is eligible if the employee to whom they are related:
- Is currently employed as an eligible employee,
- Has at least one year of continuous, full-time service, and
- Was employed immediately prior to the registration deadline.
Benefits continue up to 140 credit hours for spouses/dependents after the employee’s retirement or death, but not longer than five years.
Retirees
Retirees are eligible if they met the eligibility criteria for active employees while in active service:
- Administrative, Service and Support staff
- Benefit-eligible academic employee
Refer to the criteria for active employees for additional information.
How to Enroll
How to Enroll
- Complete an application for admission and get accepted to the classes you want to take.
- Access the (you will need to log in with your University ID and password).
- You have to submit a new form for each student enrolling–and you have to complete the form each and every semester that you want assistance.
- You must request assistance by the following deadlines, depending on the semester or session for which you’re requesting assistance. You can’t get assistance after the semester/session ends.
- Fall semester (includes fall intersession)- October 1
- Spring semester (includes winter intersession)- March 1
- Summer semester (includes summer intersession)- July 1
- Follow the instructions on the form itself for submitting it and getting approval.
- You must request assistance by the following deadlines, depending on the semester or session for which you’re requesting assistance. You can’t get assistance after the semester/session ends.
- If you are seeking tuition assistance for a spouse/dependent for the first time, please be aware that proof of relationship will be required.